Shaul samber

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The intelligence, loyalty, and tracking ability of dogs make them useful in many ways to people. Depending on the breed, they are smart enough to assist detectives in tracking down criminals, can be trained to work as actors in movies, and have the natural instincts to make great hunters and herders. Dogs of all breeds provide company for human beings. They have entertained people for centuries and are fantastic at lifting the spirits of people in hospitals and nursing homes. Due to their keen sense of sound and smell, another common function for dogs is the job of watchdog. A very important job of dogs is assisting the disabled. They are known as “guide dogs”. Two examples of guide dogs would be those that assist the blind and deaf by serving as his eyes or ears. These dogs are specially trained to perform these actions. Even when the dog has grown up well socialized and trained, the dog returns to the guide dog school for constant evaluations. The breeds that are considered the best to be trained for this are Labradors, Retrievers, German Shepards, and Golden Crossers. Guide dog instructors look for a number of qualities including intelligence, willingness to learn, ability to concentrate for a long time, attention to touch and sound, good memory, and excellent health. The instructor spends a lot of time with the dog to decide whether it is a candidate for being a guide dog or not. Dogs that exhibit aggressive tendencies, have a nervous temperament, or have extreme reactions to cats and dogs are screened out due to these undesirable qualities. Once chosen as a candidate, most future guide dogs spend the first year of their life living with people. This is to get them used to people, other pets, riding in automobiles, and visiting places. At about the age of fourteen months, guide dogs begin an intensive three to five month course. During this time, the dog becomes accustomed to the leather harness and stiff handle it will wear while guiding the blind. They learn to stop at curbs. They practice watching out for traffic and crossing the street safely. They learn commands such as sit, down, forward, left, and right. It must also learn to navigate obstacles with its owner. They must practice all of these skills until it becomes second nature. All dogs, no matter what breed, can be your companion, your best buddy ever. For centuries, dogs have offered unconditional love and friendship to the sick and lonely. They distract the pain ridden and comfort the despondent. They calm the distressed and lift the spirits. Many breeds were developed just to provide companionship to humans. Classes are available in many places to teach dogs to be good companions. The only obedience it really needs to learn for this is sit, down, stay, and come. A therapy dog is a dog which lifts the spirits of patients in nursing homes and hospitals. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies are excellent breeds for therapy dogs. However, any dog that is well socialized, really likes people, is confident, loves to be petted and touched, predictable, healthy, reliable, and can handle stress can do this work. CCI puppies are raised by trainers specifically to be therapy dogs. To pass their training, the dogs must appear healthy, have visible cleanliness, and have no sign of fleas or ticks. Therapy dogs must be trained to follow basic obedience under voice commands, allow themselves to be groomed, and walk on a loose lead. Aside from offering unconditional love and friendship and provide a general feeling of well being, they can help people with specific therapy activities. Dogs are amazing creatures which provide us with many useful services and lots of love. They are the best! Bibliography

Cachonoff D.V.M., Kim and Weisberd, Merrily. Dogs with Jobs. New York: Simon and

    Shuster, 2000.

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“Therapy Dogs”. Dogplay.com/+faq.html. 2004. “Therapy Dogs”.nhm.org/exhibitions/dogs/atdtherapy.html. 2004. “Therapy Dogs”.sjaca/on/h-w/tdogdiv.html. 2004. “Therapy Dogs”.World Book Encyclopedia. CD-ROM, 2004 edition.